Guided Hike to Castle Rock Falls and Goat ROck

New Year’s Day Hike - Castle Rock Falls and Goat Rock!

January 1, 2026  (10:00 AM – 3:00 PM)
Castle Rock State Park, Headquarters - Los Gatos, California

Distance:  4.5 miles   Elevation Gain: 1190 feet   Level:  Moderate

Start the new year with an adventure!  Hike one of the most exciting and scenic trails in the Bay Area.  This moderate 4.5-mile loop has 1,190 feet elevation gain and amazing panoramic views.

We hike to famous Castle Rock to explore caves and see amazing tafoni.  Castle Rock has many tafoni, where the rock is eroded to form pits, pockets, honeycombs, caves, ribs, and ridges.  One cave we will see was used to teach school in the 1800s    From there we visit Castle Rock Falls and enjoy views of the Pacific Ocean.  After a relaxed lunch we travel to Goat Rock, with its breathtaking vistas.  

This hike is rated “moderate” because hikers need to step onto rocks, balance, and scramble over rocks.  Hikers should be comfortable with their sense of balance.

Bring at least one liter of water, lunch, snacks, and appropriate clothing.  Rain cancels.  Meet at Park Headquarters.